LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs is unlike any other horse racing venue you can find. The Downs is filled with a culture that is uniquely its own, with historic features that are centerpieces, all while combining state-of-the-art facilities and a modern racing experience. There is not a better example of that melting pot than during the Kentucky Derby.
"For a lot of people it's breathtaking,” Zachary Ferguson said. Ferguson works as a tour guide at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Everyday he brings the magic of the Derby to people visiting from around the world.
"They've never lived the Derby before, so to give them that and to kind of show them every aspect: Grandstand, Track, and all of that, really makes me feel like I'm at home,” Ferguson said.
The Derby Museum offers a variety of tours both during Derby Season and during the offseason. Those tours can get you up close and personal with some of the contenders for Oaks and Derby, as well as a unique look at Churchill Downs where the history really stands out. It’s those kinds of questions that Ferguson gets asked about daily.
"People love the idea or people, you know, are like, 'How long have the grandstands been there?' And you know the spires have been there since 1895,” he said from the backside railing as those twin spires loomed over the track.
"If you really close your eyes, you can sense just the feeling of the horses going by,” he continued.
From inside the Grandstand, it’s a completely different view, and a completely different culture when it comes to a race day.
“I see the color of the hats,” Ferguson said. “The sea of hats and the sea of suits. I love wearing suits, so a go-to for me is the fashion. Other than that, I can just smell the bourbon in the air, the cigars, the feeling."
That feeling is infectious and it’s something that Ferguson looks forward to sharing with guests every day of the year.
"You know when you look at history and you look at the Derby overall, it's something that it's just unfathomably beautiful,” Ferguson said.
If you're interested in booking a tour at Churchill Downs, click here.
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